MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN VISUAL ARTS

Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts (Painting, Illustration, or Interdisciplinary)

Darby Cardonsky, Graduate Coordinator, VPAC 246	Phone: (203) 837-8881
	cardonskyd@wcsu.edu
Lori Robeau, Art Assistant, VPAC 143E	Phone: (203) 837-8403
	robeaul@wcsu.edu
	Fax: (203) 837-8945

 

Faculty

D. Cardonsky (M.F.A. Coordinator); S. Marques; J. Tom; R. Brewster; L. Cober Gentry; R. Nadeau: A. Scoon.

 

Program Overview

The MFA in Visual Arts at WCSU is a two-year, nationally accredited program by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). It offers concentrations in Painting, Illustration, and Interdisciplinary Visual Art. Located on the westside campus in the Visual and Performing Arts Center, the program provides each student with a private studio and 24/7 access during the two years of study.

The focus of the program is the student’s progress in the studio, leading to a professional, sustained art practice. Students participate in weekly individual and group critiques through a series of courses of increasing intensity. Art history, research, curatorial projects, internships, and teaching assistantships are integral to the program. The resident faculty and visiting artists are dedicated teachers and renowned professionals in their fields.

In the final semester, students present their Thesis Exhibition in the Gallery at the Visual & Performing Arts Center. A second Thesis Exhibition is later held at Blue Mountain Gallery, NYC, in the center of the Chelsea Arts District.

Graduates of WCSU’s MFA in Visual Arts have become successful visual artists, exhibiting in national and international galleries. They are also published illustrators, art educators, designers, gallery curators, and entrepreneurs. Many have been awarded grants and artist-in-residencies both here and abroad.

Because of the nature of the program, full-time attendance is mandatory. 

M.F.A. degrees are available in painting, illustration or interdisciplinary visual art.

Mission

The mission of the M.F.A. in Visual Arts program is to serve as a responsive and creative artistic resource for the people and institutions of Connecticut and the surrounding region by providing a period of intense and focused study under the guidance of established professionals.

Program Learning Goals

The goals of the MFA in Visual Arts program are:

1. to deepen and broaden the development of individual artistic character
2. to provide cultural enrichment through artistic communication and exhibition
3. to establish mentoring relationships through a community of artists
4. to contribute to the expansion and development in the fields of painting, illustration and interdisciplinary art

Program Learning Objectives & Outcomes 

Students in the MFA in Visual Arts program will demonstrate:

1. advanced professional competence in painting, illustration or interdisciplinary art, exemplified by:
   • a sustained, independent studio practice
   • the creation of a significant body of work
2. advanced application of current development influencing the visual arts, exemplified by:
   • the integration of new materials, concepts and techniques in an explorative studio practice
3. advanced skills in research, exemplified by:
   • an ability to reference and incorporate historical and contemporary resources in the creation of studio work
   • an ability to identify current trends and issues in contemporary art
   • an ability to critique work in the visual arts through historical references and contemporary concerns
4. advanced skills in writing and speaking, exemplified by:
   • clear and effective communication of artistic intentions and ideas to the art and/or design communities and to the public
   • critique and analysis of artworks and/or topics in publications, discussions and/or instruction within art communities or teaching environments
5. advanced capability with technologies, exemplified by:
   • the application of technology in the creation, dissemination, documentation and preservation of work in the visual arts

Admission Requirements

In addition to the graduate admissions policies of the Office of Graduate Admissions, students may be admitted to the M.F.A. in Visual Arts degree program if they meet the following criteria:

• completion of a B.A. or B.F.A. in Art or
• completion of a B.A. or B.F.A. in a related field and show demonstrable competency in art and
• submission and successful review of portfolio by WCSU Department of Art faculty, online via email or in person on campus
• successful completion of an interview with Department of Art faculty, either on campus or through electronic media, and
• evidence of strong academic record, especially in the candidate’s area of study.

Note: Acceptance to the Department of Art through portfolio review and interview is mandatory, in addition to applying to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Applications are reviewed throughout the year with rolling admission until spaces are filled.

International Students: Instructions for International Students

Degree Program Requirements

Degree candidates will select an area of emphasis (painting, illustration, or interdisciplinary) and complete a minimum of 60 credits, as listed on the program sheet, under the guidance and approval of the program coordinator.

Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts

Required Courses:		Course Rotation
ART 510   Art Colloquium (to be taken incrementally over four semesters)	4-8 SH	Every Fall and Spring
ART 511   Graduate Studies in Art History (taken incrementally over first three semesters)	9 SH	Every Fall and Spring
ART 512   Individual Introductory Graduate Studio in Area of Emphasis	3-6 SH	Every Fall
ART 520   Individual Applied Studio I	3-6 SH	Every Fall
ART 521   Individual Applied Studio II	6 SH	Every Spring
ART 530   Advanced Individual Studio I	12-15 SH	Every Fall
ART 531   Advanced Individual Studio II	9 SH	Every Spring
ART 580   Practicum Internship	3-6 SH	Every Fall and Spring
ART 581   Individual Introductory Graduate Studio in Related Area	3-6 SH	Every Fall
ART 590   Thesis Exhibition	6 SH	Every Spring
Total Semester Hours: 60

(In all studio courses, each course hour requires three hours of applied studio work per week.)